The Privy Council of Thailand is the body of appointed advisors to the Monarchy of Thailand. His Majesty the King alone appoints all 18 members of the council.
The school, formerly known as Baan Kamala School, was built in the wake of the tsunami of Dec 26, 2004.
Adm Pongthep’s visit was to assess the operations of the school in order to build morale and encouragement for students and school personnel, said an official report of the visit.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, who is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Phuket branch of the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation, was present to welcome Adm Pongthep, along with the school’s director, Nipa Kaewprakong, on hand to lead the welcoming committee.
Adm Pongthep also led a meeting that was joined by the island’s highest-ranking officials.
The school provides education for 847 students, from kindergarten and Prathom 1 to Mathayom 6, with 34 classrooms and 84 teachers and school staff.
The school and students receive support from the Rajaprajanugroh Foundation through scholarships and school uniforms to students who lack opportunities, and through the donations of school equipment, sports equipment and funds for construction and improvement of school buildings.
The school aims to develop learning to the fullest potential of students in order to create a more harmonious society, in accordance with HM The King’s principles, said the report.
The school maintains special focus on teaching mathematics and English, and includes lessons in meditation. The school also provides inclusive education for children with special needs.
Adm Ponthep’s visit yesterday was also to review how current problems are being tackled by the school.
The Governor and Kathu District Chief will take care of and assist in coordinating cooperation from the public and private sectors to provide marching band instruments to students and provide televisions to be used as a teaching media, said the report.
As for the problem of a shortage of drinking water at the school, the chairman of the school board along with the owner of Andara Hotels and the Paradise Group, which owns and operates The Plaza Surin in its portfolio, will support the budget for the purchase and installation of high-quality water filters, the report noted.
A cheque of more than B1.2 million was presented for the cause.
During his visit Adm Pongthep visited an exhibition highlighting student vocational training activities and an exhibit of public-private cooperation network groups supporting the development of the quality of education for students at the school.